The Swiss violinist and conductor, Rudolf Baumgartner, studied at the University and Conservatory in Zürich. He then pursued violin training in Paris and Vienna, his principal mentors being Geyer, Flesch, and Schneiderhan.

Rudolf Baumgartner then performed as a violin soloist and in chamber music ensembles. In 1956 he co-founded (with Schneiderhan) the Festival Strings Lucerne, which he served as director. He was also director of the Lucerne Conservatory from 1960 to 1987, and the Lucerne Festival from 1968 to 1980.